Easy Guide to Framing My Art Prints (and Making Them Look Amazing)

I love making prints of my paintings because it allows more people to enjoy my art. Prints are affordable, easy to frame, and a great alternative to owning an original. Since I size my prints to fit standard frame dimensions, you can easily find frames at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or online at Amazon.

Just a quick note—because I am part of the Amazon Affiliate Program, I may earn a very small commission if you purchase through any of the links below. Thank you for supporting my art!

8 x 10 Inch Prints

My top recommendation is to use an 11x14 frame with an 8x10 mat: https://amzn.to/2ZsS8uu

You could also choose a standard 8x10 frame without a mat. If you go this route, you’ll just need to trim away the extra white border around the image, because my 8x10 prints are printed at 8.5x11 paper: https://amzn.to/45A4ky6

8 x 8 Inch Prints

For these, I recommend a 12x12 frame with an 8x8 mat: https://amzn.to/31bljm6

Another option is an 8x8 frame with no mat. You’ll need to trim the white edges to make it fit because my 8x8 prints are printed at 8.5x11 paper: https://amzn.to/468TCi9

11 x 14 Inch Prints

The best option for these is a standard 11x14 frame: https://amzn.to/4n3pUkr

12 x 12 Inch Prints

I recommend a simple 12x12 frame for this size: https://amzn.to/2YAQ5TJ

13 x 19 Inch Prints

My 13x19 prints typically have image sizes of either 12x15 or 12x16 which are printed on the 13x19 paper. My listings should tell you what the exact image sizes, but when you get the print home you could also measure to determine the exact image size.

My recommended solution is to choose a frame with a mat that matches the printed image size. This gives you an even border around the entire image and a clean, professional look.

If you’re unsure of the exact printed image size, you can go with a frame that fits all 13x19 paper prints. In that case, I recommend a 17x23 frame with a 13x19 mat: https://amzn.to/3VpSZdO

Or you can keep it simple with a 13x19 frame and no mat: https://amzn.to/4lNxAWT

16 x 16 Inch Prints

These look great in a 16x16 frame, but you’ll need to trim the white border because my 16x16 prints are printed at 17x22 paper: https://amzn.to/2YE1g27

16 x 20 Inch Prints

I recommend a 20x24 frame with a 16x20 mat: https://amzn.to/3Qh6kDM

Another option is a 16x20 frame with no mat. You’ll need to trim the white edges to make it fit because my 16x20 prints are printed at 17x22 paper: https://amzn.to/4221boi

17 x 22 Inch Prints

For this size, the best option is a 17x22 frame: https://amzn.to/2LU0OXy

24 x 30 Inch Prints

These fit beautifully in a 24x30 frame. Here are two options I recommend:

How to Trim Paper Prints

Cutting my prints is only necessary if you choose a framing option that requires you to trim off the white border around the image. Many of the frame options listed above do not require any trimming at all, so you can skip this step entirely in most cases.

That said, if you do need to cut the print, it’s super easy! All you need is a pair of scissors.

I walk you through exactly how to trim the white border in the first section of the video below. You don’t need to watch the rest of the video unless you’re curious — the first part covers everything you need for trimming with scissors.

Custom Framing Options

If you want to go beyond standard frames, places like Michaels and Hobby Lobby offer custom framing services. At certain times of the year, they run discounts, which can make custom framing more affordable. With custom framing, you can have a mat cut to the exact size of your print, and you can even choose from a wide variety of mat colors to complement the artwork. This kind of presentation can look really striking with my art.

That said, custom framing is generally more expensive. This is why I usually recommend standard, ready-made frames like the ones I’ve linked above on Amazon; they look great, fit the sizes of my prints, and are much more budget-friendly. But if you want something extra special and personalized, a custom frame shop can create nearly anything you can imagine.

Share Your Framed Print!

I love seeing how my art looks once it finds a home. If you’d like to share yours, tag me on Instagram @krystlecoleart or send me a photo by email. I may even feature your framed print on my website or social media :)